Picture books to read in winter! Story ideas that will captivate 3-year-olds

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is spinning-top tricks.

As the cold winter season arrives, how about filling your time with your three-year-old with the warmth of picture books? At this age, children begin to enjoy the flow of a story and their imagination expands greatly.

Here, we’ll introduce picture books that offer winter-specific delights, carefully selected from among many favorites.

Through these books, you can enjoy special read-aloud moments that are unique to this season.

Spend heartwarming time with your child, together with some wonderful winter picture books!

Picture books to read in winter! Story ideas that will fascinate 3-year-olds (61–70)

Yuki fufufu

http://www.amazon.co.jp

Let me introduce a picture book that lets you gently feel winter: “Yuki Fufufu.” The snow illustrations feel so real you could almost touch them, and the curious sound expressions that linger in your ears as you read make it a truly lovely book.

The children staring quietly up at the sky are especially striking, and it makes you wonder: what kind of faces would my own child make when they see snow? You can’t help but imagine it.

Each snowball has a little face, which is adorable, and kids will probably be delighted to spot them—“There’s one here, too!”—and eagerly point them out.

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sasashina

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Snowy path stroll

http://www.amazon.co.jp

Yukimichi Sanpo is a story about a girl taking a walk through a snowy landscape.

She looks outside to find a world of silver—who wouldn’t want to go out? Bundled up warmly, she crunches along the snow-covered path.

Along the way, she discovers camellia blossoms dusted with snow and icicles lined up along the eaves.

As you gaze at the beautiful watercolor illustrations, it feels as if a real winter scene is unfolding right before your eyes.

Children are sure to look on with sparkling eyes and enjoy it, too.

I’d be delighted if this picture book helps you find yet another way to enjoy winter.

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sasashina

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The Mischief Squad and the Wolf Forest

http://www.amazon.co.jp

The three kids from the “Wanpakudan” series once again wander into a mysterious world.

They find a signboard that says “Ōkami-mori” (Wolf Forest) and decide to go check it out.

There, they meet a small wolf and learn that spring still hasn’t come.

They set out to find a flower called “Haruyobi-hime,” which is said to bring spring when discovered.

It turns out the forest dates back to ancient times, where you can encounter creatures and scenery you don’t usually see.

It’s a delightful book that lets you feel like you’re adventuring alongside the Wanpakudan.

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sasashina

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Tom and Pippo go out for a walk

http://www.amazon.co.jp

This is a heartwarming picture book that depicts the simple moments of everyday life.

Tom and Pippo, Sal’s stuffed toy, are very close friends.

It’s full of stories that make you nod in recognition at ordinary scenes.

Tom imitates what his mother does for him and does the same for Pippo.

Perhaps Tom’s kindness is the kindness he received from his mother.

Within these short stories, the book is filled with love and warmth.

It’s easy for little ones to understand, so please enjoy reading it together as a parent and child.

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mayumi

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Bam and Kero’s Cold Morning

http://www.amazon.co.jp

On a cold morning, Bam and Kero head to the pond to go skating.

There, they find a duck trapped in the frozen ice.

They hurry to rescue it and gently thaw it out in a warm bath.

After that, they take a bath together with the now-energetic duck and help dry its feathers.

While they’re taking care of it, Kero keeps bringing things he wants them to look at—so cute! And those knickknacks and toys are so appealing! Kids will be glued to the pages and will want the same things.

The story is a bit long, but it’s a book you can enjoy just by looking at the pictures.

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sasashina

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